RV Park Proposed for Southwest Rhode Island

A proposed seasonal recreational vehicle facility near McGowan’s Corner, R.I., will be the subject of a Feb. 1 public hearing before the zoning board.

Ocean State RV Resort is proposed by Larry LeBlanc, a Charlestown developer and resident. Plans call for a 225-vehicle park on 59.5 acres east of the intersection of Westerly Bradford Road, Bradford Road and Dunns Corner Bradford Road in the southwest corner of the state, The Westerly Sun reported.

A 23-lot subdivision, Diamond Springs Farm, was previously proposed for the site. Grassy Hill Development Corp. of Roxbury, Conn., which proposed that project, is now in receivership, a form of protection similar to bankruptcy. The receiver in the case is Mark Russo, the Providence lawyer who is also serving as special master in The Westerly Hospital receivership case.

LeBlanc said he has an agreement to buy the 59.5-acre site and will do so if the recreational vehicle facility is approved. LeBlanc said he would also consider developing a subdivision at the site but would prefer the RV park plan, which he said would involve less disruption of the land and retain the site’s secluded feel.

Remnants of a horse farm that once occupied the property remain intact in the form of a garage and two caretaker residences. Plans call for converting one of the residences into a clubhouse. A tennis court is also planned.

LeBlanc said his proposed facility would be similar in density to the Timber Creek RV Resort on Dunns Corners Road

The proposed facility requires a special use permit because the land is in a rural residential zone. The Feb. 1 meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

LeBlanc also has proposed a wind farm project for 81 acres in Charlestown off Route 1 under the name Whalerock Renewable Energy LLC, but that project remains stalled.